WAITAHUNA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 19, 20 June 1868, Page 3

WAITAHUNA.

(From our own Correspondent). June 18th. The flood, on Friday was very little less than the great one in February last, though fortunately it has not been nearly »o disastrous to property. During Thursday night and the whole of Friday, the ram poured down without intermission, and I have been told by a gentleman who has resided more than twelve years in the district, that he has never in the colony seen rain so heavy fall continuously for so long a time. Were it not for the cold on Thursday «nd Friday the flood would have been much higher than any we have yet experienced. Had the moisture fallen on the mountains as on the lower ranges in rain instead of snow, the flood would have far exceeded that of February. As it was the river was a foot or eighteen inches lower than then, but the creek through the main Gully and other streams drawing their supplies from comparatively low level, were higher than on any occasion since the diggings were opened. The damage done to mining property though very considerable is not nearly so heavy as that cauied by the February flood. The creek on this occasion rose more gradually, and attained its highest level before darkness set in, to that the miners were enabled in all cases to save their tools and boxes, and in many instances by strenuous exertions to prevent ■erious injury to their races and claims. Had the flood as on the last occasion risen suddenly, and in the night time, I believe the damage would have been as general and excessive. As it is the injury done to mining property on the river claims and in the main Gully, may be estimated at the very lowest at L 250. All the river claims hay* suffered severely. Hagen and party have had their dam carried away, their claim too for the most part filled up, and their race broken in several places ; Craven's and Crombie's parties are also heavy sufferers. On the flat M'Hattie's, Butter's, and Henley's have received much damage, which the two races which supply Havelock Flat have for several hundred yards been entirely carried away, and indeed require almost to be re-made. It is to be hoped that we have seen the last for some time to come of the floods which have of late been so frequent, and have entered on a long tack of weather favorable for mining. During the last nine months mining has been in this place but a record of misfortunes — disaster treading upon the heels of disaster fast enough to dishearten the most hopeful and persevering. In addition to the loss to the miners the river has channelled out a course forty or fifty yards wide through Mr. Cutler's paddock, through which it now flows, leaving the old course for a length of four or five hundred yards dry. On the exposed beach' I understand two or three mon are engaged cradling, and doing very well. A part of the embankment which forms the approach to the Waitahuna Bridge was carried away, interrupting traffic for two or three days, but it has now been repaired. As, however, the chasm has been filled up with sand and gravel, the first heavy rain may be expected to re-open it. A serious accident occurred on Monday to a miner of the name of Francis Fowler. He had been engaged in bringing down a fall of earth, part of which caught him in the leg, inflicting a compound fracture on the bone immediately below the knee. He was at once conveyed to the Tuapeka Hospital. The long disput* about the land in Murray's Flat has at last it is to be hoped finally settled. The Council by a large majority decided that Mr. Murray had no right to the land, that the second aplicants had, and therefore that it would be unjust to sell it as proposed by the Government. It is to be hoped that the Government will interpose no further "delays, but at once issue certificates, and enable the applicants to proceed with the improvements of their properties. The new school buildings are being rapidly proceeded with by the contractors, Messrs. M'Latchie and Johnston.